Grounded in the best science available, this essential volume presents practical guidelines for effective clinical intervention in the immediate, intermediate, and long-term aftermath of large-scale traumatic events.

Full Description:

Grounded in the best science available, this essential volume presents practical guidelines for effective clinical intervention in the immediate, intermediate, and long-term aftermath of large-scale traumatic events. Vital lessons learned from a variety of mass traumas and natural disasters are incorporated into the book's thorough review of strategies for helping specific victim and survivor populations. The editors and authors include over 40 leading experts in disaster mental health. Of crucial importance, they clearly summarize the empirical evidence supporting each intervention and provide other guidance based on experience and consensus recommendations.

"This book is a must read for practitioners who are likely to be first responders (regardless of discipline or practice focus) or minimally, service providers following a disaster, whether man-made or natural; community leaders who hold responsibility (either formal or informal) for safeguarding community members; and government officials and agencies (both public and private) to whom victims of disasters will turn immediately following such disasters. The content provided in the book provides a conceptual understanding of the disaster crisis reaction with implications for individuals, families, communities, and community agencies or infrastructures; theoretical underpinnings for disaster intervention for all of the aforementioned; intervention models that have been proven to support natural coping as well as mediate post traumatic stress disorder symptomotology; practical and doable guidelines for disaster planning for communities and agencies; and highlights how mental health professionals can utilize their expertise in consulting with agencies and communities needing assistance with disaster recovery planning. Educators, trainers, and students/trainees will find the book to be a powerhouse of information for knowledge and skill enhancement. Contributors to the book span the interdisciplinary realm, making the content appropriate for consumption and use by social workers, psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, community organizers/activists, school teachers, social workers, staff and guidance counselors, nurses, family therapists, agency directors, etc....The information contained in the book is easy to read and understand."-Families in Society

"A fabulous and timely addition to the psychological and behavioral health toolkit. This insightful and unique exploration of interventions after mass violence and disaster is a jewel that should be required reading for all those working in, teaching about, or preparing for work in disaster response."-CDR Dori B. Reissman, MD, MPH, United States Public Health Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"This is absolutely the new definitive text on the acute treatment of mass trauma effects. Edited and written by leaders in the field, this volume addresses almost every conceivable aspect of mental health response to disasters and mass violence. The practical information on assessment, treatment, and training and consultation-let alone the comprehensive literature reviews-make this book a 'must have.' Highly recommended!"-John Briere, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, LAC-USC Medical Center and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California